Neuralink Successfully Implants Device in Second Patient

Neuralink, the brain-computer interface firm founded by Elon Musk, has successfully implanted its device in a second patient. The device enables paralyzed patients to use digital devices through thought alone. This milestone is part of Neuralink’s ongoing efforts to develop technology to assist individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Details About the Neuralink Second Patient:

Elon Musk revealed that the second patient, similar to the first, had suffered a spinal cord injury. This patient was paralyzed in a diving accident. Musk reported that 400 of the implant’s 1,024 electrodes function in the second patient’s brain.

He remarked, “I don’t want to jinx it, but it seems to have gone extremely well with the second implant. There’s a lot of signal, a lot of electrodes. It’s working very well.”

Neuralink plans to expand its clinical trials by providing implants to eight more patients in 2024.

First Patient’s Experience:

The first patient, Noland Arbaugh, received his implant in January. Arbaugh shared that the device allows him to control a computer screen by thinking about the desired action, granting him greater independence and reducing his reliance on caregivers.

Initially, Arbaugh faced complications when the tiny wires of his implant retracted, significantly decreasing the number of electrodes that could measure brain signals.

Neuralink addressed this issue by modifying its algorithm and restoring the implant’s ability to monitor Arbaugh’s brain signals. Despite only 10-15% of the electrodes working, Arbaugh has improved his previous world record for the speed at which he can control a cursor with his thoughts.

Future Plans and Potential:

Neuralink’s implants have shown promising results. The first patient used the device to play video games, browse the internet, post on social media, and move a cursor on his laptop.

The successful implantation in the second patient reinforces the potential of this technology to significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Neuralink’s ongoing clinical trials and planned expansions suggest a future where such implants could become widely available to those in need.